Rolling Through Holland
With tandem at hand, he and wife Nancy are able to set off on their own to explore the sights. Hoel, avid local and international bicyclist presents Rolling Through Holland on March 5th, 7:00 pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.
His recent trip to Holland was the latest of many European vacations Hoel has taken over the years, always with his bicycle. He and Nancy spent 27 days touring and exploring the Dutch countryside, relying on the bike for transportation and sight seeing, as well as grocery shopping and other errands.
Hoel took up bicycling in the 1990's when back surgery ended a daily running routine. He was surprised to learn the bent over bicycling position didn't aggravate his back. Initially riding for recreation and fitness, in the past four years bicycling became more about transportation. If an errand is within a ten mile radius, Hoel rides his bike, using panniers for carrying groceries and other items. “So many errands and trips around town are less than two miles,” said Hoel. “Its ideal and sustainable to make them by bike. It's as quick if not quicker to run errands by bike and you can pull right up to the front of the store.”
Hoel has found safe routes for most destinations, including the Apple store and REI in Oakbrook, enabling him to leave the family car in the garage six out of seven days.
Safety is a key factor for people using bikes as transportation. Hoel became an advocate for safe streets after a series of run-ins with cars. In a voice still tight with frustration years after the incident, Hoel described the confrontation that transformed him from bike rider to bicycle activist. He was cut off and nearly run off the road one morning by a woman driving her daughter to school. When he caught up with her at the next traffic light, words were exchanged with the driver forcefully telling him to, “Get on the Prairie Path.” The police were called and Hoel received a ticket. Outraged by the ticket and the bias shown towards a street rider, he challenged it in court. The ticket was upheld but the judge appeared to side with Hoel when he admonished the driver by saying she was less than courteous. Hoel added, “The judge read her the riot act.”
Hoel's advocacy has led to board positions with Active Transportation Alliance, the League of Illinois Bicyclists and Elmhurst's Bike Task Force. “Bob is one of our most active members and a great asset for the board,” said Ed Barsotti, Executive Director, League of Illinois Bicyclists. “He's been involved with a lot of things. His biggest contribution locally has been leading the Elmhurst Bike Task Force in its application for Bicycling Friendly Community designation.”
With daily life focused on bicycling, Hoel's vacations are busman's holidays. He has found the benefits of riding add to the pleasure of a vacation. You're invited to share the experience of seeing Holland from a bike rider's point of view and learn how bicycle friendly places accommodate riders at the upcoming Sierra Club sponsored program.
Rolling Through Holland
Monday, March 5 at 7:00 pm
Glen Ellyn Public Library
400 Duane Street
Free and open to the public.
For additional information contact Bruce Blake 630.629.2520